Proposed larger mosque faces safety and traffic concerns

The Darul Khair Centre, described as Stouffville’s first Islamic hub, is in the midst of finding a new location. Plans for a permanent, larger mosque in Stouffville are underway and have raised residents’ concerns about safety and traffic.

Originally, the application sought permission to build a Place of Worship at 27 Winona Dr., near Ninth Line and Main Street. In May, council decided against approving that application, after reviewing residents’ concerns regarding traffic.

The group’s consultant later presented its case to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Since then, the town and Darul Khair have discussed the possible resolution of relocating to 12662 Tenth Line, just south of the Old Elm GO station.

As part of the public process associated with planning act applications, public meetings are required to allow and encourage public participation. At a recent meeting, one resident raised a serious safety concern about worshippers commuting to the mosque.

“There are no sidewalks on this stretch of Tenth Line,” said Christine Hand. “Expecting transit users or pedestrians, especially those coming from surrounding communities, to walk along the shoulder of a busy main road with a speed limit of 70 kilometres an hour, is extremely dangerous.”

Councillor Hugo Kroon responded to the concern by suggesting that council could try to accelerate the installation of sidewalks in the area.

“This council understands that we have a very diverse community, and we have to do everything we possibly can to make everyone feel at home,” Kroon said. “I, too, am concerned about the lack of sidewalks along Tenth Line. And I think if there’s any way that, somehow, we can accelerate installation of sidewalks…I think that’s something that the staff and the council have to consider.”

Traffic funnelling from all around the town and surrounding area to the very northeast part of the town, where parking and road lanes are limited, has led many residents to question the legitimacy of the proposed placement of the new mosque.

“The location of this proposed mosque is pretty much in, like, the northeast corner of the town. So you’re gonna have everyone travelling into that direction, which, to me, seems like you’re gonna have this big flow going through,” said Armen Garabedian. “I’ve moved close to that area; that’s why I’m here. That part of town, I see it as, like, a quiet little corner, right? Is there a need for such a big development to be happening in this quiet little corner of Stouffville?”

Mayor Iain Lovatt said he understood residents’ concerns brought to council, but stood firm on the case for further development.

“There were a number of comments… and emails that I have received about people who have moved into this side of town because of the rural nature, and because it’s nice and quiet,” Lovatt said. “Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s a whole lot of growth coming here. The other thing that I want to speak to is the fact that there are other commercial uses that are contemplated here that are going to be moving forward.”

The mayor suggests other commercial developments are underway in the 10th line area. This includes a potential grocery store that could generate up to 4,000 visits daily.

“All the studies that are being requested are going to be fulfilled through a site plan,” Lovatt said. “I do want to ensure that all of the feedback that we’ve received is not just disregarded. It has to be part, not only (in) the public record, but it has to inform the process moving forward.”

Plans are still under way; residents can visit townofws.ca for more details about the development.

Photo: New location set for the Darul Khair Centre on 10th Line. (Artist’s rendering)